Steeves Vows Never to Open Portage and Main to Pedestrians

Gord Steeves doesn’t want pedestrians to cross at Portage and Main — ever.

The mayoral candidate said on Monday, if elected, he would ensure the concrete barriers preventing pedestrian access at the busy intersection remain in place.

“If we open the intersection to pedestrian traffic we would destabilize the businesses located in the underground mall at Portage and Main,” Steeves said. “Brian Bowman’s plan to reopen this intersection will keep investors away and does not promote commerce at Winnipeg’s iconic intersection.”

Steeves also mentioned opponent Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who shares the same opinion as Bowman to open up the intersection, which hasn’t allowed pedestrian traffic since 1979.

“Does anyone believe opening the barricades will result in more development at an intersection where there are already skyscrapers on every corner?”

Steeves said having pedestrians cross eight to 10 lanes of traffic can only have a negative impact on the traffic flow through the area.